Posts Tagged ‘education’

English photographer Julian Germain has been working on an ongoing photo series called “Classroom Portraits.” The series, which is currently on view at Nederlands Fotomuseum in Rotterdam, consists of large format portraits of schoolchildren taken in classrooms in over 20 countries around the world—from USA to Argentina to Bangladesh.

There is a striking balance between formality and energy in Germain’s photos. On the one hand, the children are posed and studious-looking, and on the other hand, of course, they’re kids and teenagers whose spiritedness shines through even the most serious of looks.

Canon has released the spring schedule for their Live Learning “Deconstructing the Story” workshop series intended for professional and advanced cinematographers, photographers and videographers. “These three day, hands-on sessions provide intensive learning opportunities designed to demonstrate improved techniques for shooting successful video projects with Canon EOS HD DSLR cameras,” according to Canon. For more information, visit www.usa.canon.com/story.

Nik Software has announced that they are launching a new free educational podcast, Nik Radio. “Created to inspire photographers of all levels, Nik Radio delivers timely educational and inspirational content about the company’s software solutions and services through interviews and on-air lessons. The first episode of the program is available for download…on iTunes and on the Nik Software website at www.niksoftware.com/radio.”

Well, let’s just say I’m appalled. States banning an address by the President of the United States to American school children on the value of education? What is going on in this country? How do you spell racism? I-G-N-O-R-A-N-C-E. Or perhaps H-A-T-R-E-D. This abandonment of the pillars of our Constitution is true obscenity to me.

I chose this photo from AP because it shows that this speech was about the students, not about politics or Obama, other than a president usually likes to be well thought of. He wasn’t trying to sell the country on going to war against a dictator who may have been vile, but hadn’t committed any terrorist acts against the United States. He was telling our children to value themselves, value their education, value this country. And parents want to prevent their children from hearing that? Am I hearing this correctly??

How’s this for a news clip? This one from the open-armed state of Colorado:

–Shanneen Barron, a Highlands Ranch mother, said she normally isn’t involved in political activism, even though a sign in her front yard reads “Vote Republican.” But she said she is worried that Obama will put forth a socialist agenda and try to indoctrinate her children.

“Thinking about my kids in school having to listen to that just really upsets me,” she said. “I’m an American. They are Americans, and I don’t feel that’s OK. I feel very scared to be in this country with our leadership right now.”

She and her husband will keep their kids at home Tuesday when Obama makes his nationwide address to students.–

My comment: And I guess they’ll also continue to be ignorant. My ex-fiance’s brother designed Highlands Ranch so I’ve spent time in this perfectly white conservative enclave. Every house is painted a variation of beige. I grew up in similar neighborhoods where, like the movie Pleasantville, everyone was afraid to have too much color.

But back to a more rational view of the story at hand, from the Denver News:

–A White House spokesman released this statement: “The President will speak directly to students around the country about the value of education and the importance of staying in school as part of his effort to dramatically cut the dropout rate. It’s not a policy speech.”

Supporters are concerned about what they call the increased politicization of issues by extremists.

“It’s just kind of ridiculous to think that people are worried that a visit from the president is going to turn their children into socialists overnight or be the kick start to a socialist program,” said Ryan Kelling, a Denver resident. “There’s not much debate about real issues, and this just continues the trend of politicizing everything.”–

My comment: AMEN, BROTHER.

And from Philadelphia, the City of Brotherly Love, via AP:

–PHILADELPHIA – On the very first day of the school year, 12-year-old Mileena Rodriguez was reminded by President Barack Obama himself that hard work can take you places. Mileena listened to Obama’s plea to study hard and stay in school Tuesday, watching along with several of her classmates at Thurgood Marshall Elementary School and students across the country. For all the hubbub among adults over the back-to-school speech, many youngsters took the president’s message to heart.

“He said that we’re the future, and he’s right,” said Mileena, who wants to be a forensic scientist. “That’s a president telling you, `I care about you getting your education.’ Just imagine what kids like us can do if we actually listen.”–

My comment: And just imagine how great this country could be if people would open their hearts, and their minds so they could actually think instead of operate on fear and hatred. Paranoia, exclusivity, and ignorance are the problems, not President Obama nor his message to work hard and make something of yourself. That is the message that this country was built on and has been given by presidents past. Do we have collective amnesia? Is the color of the president’s skin enough to make people literally lose their minds? Are these the United States?